Get to Know: Mark – Senior Event Manager at AP LIVE
At AP LIVE, we pride ourselves on having a team made up of passionate individuals who bring a wide variety of experiences to the table—and Mark is no exception. As one of our Senior Managers, Mark brings creativity, calm under pressure, and global event experience to every brief that crosses his desk.
From Centre Stage to Centre of the Action
Mark’s journey into the events world is anything but traditional. Before events, his first career was in the performing arts, working as a professional dancer for over a decade. After hanging up his dancing shoes, he stepped into the events world by freelancing as an onsite event manager, quickly discovering a love for the behind-the-scenes magic. A pivotal moment came when he was brought in by Disney to manage the opening night of one of their theatrical productions—a moment that launched a long-standing relationship with the brand.
This relationship blossomed into a five-year stint in PR management for Disney before he transitioned into a leadership role overseeing the Special Events department across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. After 12 incredible years with the company, and a relocation back to his hometown post-COVID, Mark brought his wealth of experience to AP LIVE—and we’re very glad he did.
Living the Live Event Life
So what keeps Mark so invested in the industry? For him, it’s the ever-changing nature of the work: “No two days are ever the same,” he says. “You work across so many different elements and tasks which keeps your days varied—and keeps you on your toes.” And with AP LIVE servicing events globally, Mark thrives on the opportunity to collaborate across cultures and countries.
Despite the misconception that events are all champagne and red carpets, Mark is quick to clarify: “Sure, sometimes there’s international travel and glamour, but the real perk is the skillset you develop. You become a master project manager—and those skills carry over into every part of life.”
Top Event Planning Tips from Mark
With years of experience under his belt, Mark’s number one tip when it comes to event planning is simple: communication. “It’s everything. Clear communication is vital at every step of the process. It builds trust, respect and makes the entire experience more collaborative and enjoyable.”
To those just starting out in the industry, his advice is to treat every moment as a learning opportunity. “The way I got into events was by learning on the job—and that mindset hasn’t changed. There’s always something new to learn, and embracing that helps you constantly grow.”
Why Mark Loves Working at AP LIVE
Mark describes working at AP LIVE as “the perfect balance of challenge, variety and support.” What does he love most?
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The team and culture – “Supportive, talented, and just really great people.”
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The variety of clients and industries – “No two days are the same, and that’s exactly how I like it.”
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Remote work without losing connection – “We might be working from home, but there’s a strong sense of team thanks to regular calls and catch-ups.”
Working from home has also allowed Mark to achieve a much better work-life balance. “The event industry can be demanding, so being able to cut the commute and work flexibly makes a huge difference. It even allowed me to get a dog—something I couldn’t have done if I was in an office full time!”
Career Highlights? Too Many to Name
When asked to name a career highlight, Mark points to the variety of his journey as his proudest achievement. “I’ve been fortunate to work all over the world and with some truly inspiring people. Telling that story always surprises people—and I feel lucky every time I share it.”
Some standout moments include coordinating large-scale European film premieres in Leicester Square, shutting down the entire square to deliver a studio’s vision. “The sheer scale of that night was unforgettable.” On the flip side, Mark treasures smaller, more meaningful events too—like working with the Make-A-Wish foundation to help create magical moments for families. “Those are the events that stay with you forever.”
As for a favourite AP LIVE event? “That’s like picking a favourite child! Each one brings something different—and that’s why I love what I do.”